Actuator Assembly For A Dispensing Container

ABSTRACT

A dispensing container assembly ( 10 ) includes a container having a top end ( 14 ) at which a valve member is located, a bottom end and a circumferentially extending sidewall that is positioned between the top end and the bottom end. An actuator assembly ( 34 ) is advantageously provided for permitting actuation of the valve member by a user without requiring the user&#39;s hand or finger to be positioned immediately adjacent to the valve member and the top end of the container. The actuator assembly ( 34 ) may include a flexible elongated band ( 40 ) that is spaced outwardly from a portion of the sidewall of the container ( 12 ). The valve member is actuated by squeezing the container ( 12 ) and the flexible elongated band ( 40 ), which mechanically transmits force via the band ( 40 ) to the valve member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of packaging technology, and more specifically to dispensing containers, such as aerosol cans.

BACKGROUND ART

Dispensing containers such as pressurised aerosol cans are in wide use throughout the world. An aerosol can typically is fabricated from a metallic material and includes a top end having a top rim, a bottom end having a bottom rim and a cylindrical sidewall between the top and bottom ends. Aerosol containers usually have a valve mechanism located at the top end of the container for controlling the dispensing of the container's pressurised contents.

The most common type of valve mechanism that is used with aerosol containers is designed to be actuated by exerting a force in the axial direction downwardly on a valve actuator that extends axially from the top of the container. Another type of valve mechanism, which is commonly used for dispensing substances such as whipped cream, is designed to be actuated by exerting a lateral force on such a valve actuator.

While conventional aerosol valve actuators are satisfactory for most applications, there are instances when it may be inconvenient or unhygienic for a consumer's finger to be located adjacent to the top end of the aerosol container while the contents of the container are being dispensed. For example, the substance being dispensed may be toxic or otherwise unpleasant and the consumer may prefer not to have his or her finger exposed to the substance. It may be undesirable from a hygienic standpoint for the consumer's finger to contact the material being dispensed in situations related to provision of health care or for food preparation.

In addition, there are instances in which space constraints make it difficult or impossible to conveniently dispense a material from a dispensing container while the user's hand is positioned at or near the top of the container. For example, a user may want to dispense an aerosolised lubricant in a location where space restrictions would permit insertion of the aerosol container, but not the user's hand. In addition, the use of an applicator or attachment nozzle to guide the material being dispensed is frequently made impossible by the need to have the user's finger or hand immediately adjacent to the dispensing valve of an aerosol container during use.

A need exists for an improved valve actuator for a dispensing container that will obviate the need for the consumer's hand to be positioned near the top of the container when the contents of the container are being dispensed.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved valve actuator for a dispensing container that will obviate the need for the consumer's hand to be positioned near the top of the container when the contents of the container are being dispensed.

In order to achieve the above and other objects of the invention, in a first aspect of the invention there is provided an actuator assembly for a dispensing container, comprising:

an elongated actuating member; a valve connecting means for connecting the elongated actuating member to a valve of the container; characterised in that the elongated actuating member comprises an elongated flexible strap and the actuator assembly further comprises mounting means for mounting the elongated actuating member to the container so that the elongated actuating member is spaced outwardly from a portion of a sidewall of the container, wherein the actuator assembly is constructed and arranged to operate the valve member when a portion of the elongated actuating member is displaced inwardly towards the portion of the sidewall.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a dispensing container comprising the actuator assembly as referred to above.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterise the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described various preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES IN THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing container assembly that is constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatical view depicting certain features of the dispensing container assembly that is shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical view depicting a dispensing container assembly that is constructed according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dispensing container assembly shown in FIG. 3 having an additional attachment;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical view of a dispensing container assembly that is constructed according to a third embodiment of the invention, shown in a first operative position;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical view of the dispensing container assembly shown in FIG. 5, depicted in a second operative position;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical view of a dispensing container assembly that is constructed according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a dispensing container assembly that is constructed according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a dispensing container assembly that is constructed according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dispensing container assembly 10 that is constructed according to a first embodiment of the invention includes a container 12, which is preferably a pressurised aerosol container. Container 12 has a top end 14 having an upper rim 16, a bottom end 18 having a lower rim 20 and a circumferentially extending sidewall 22 that is positioned between the top end 14 and the bottom end 18. Container 12 is preferably fabricated from a metallic material, is elongated and has a longitudinal axis 24, as is best shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment of the invention, container 12 is styled as a shaped can having a recess 26 that is defined within a generally central area of the sidewall 22 relative to the top and bottom ends 14, 18.

Container 12 further includes an aerosol valve 28 that is located at the top end 14 of the container 12 and that is of the conventional type that is constructed and arranged to be actuated when a lateral force is applied thereto. A dispensing extension or guide tube 30 may be mounted on the aerosol valve 28. As FIG. 1 shows, a decorative cap 32 may be provided at the top end 14 of the container 12, which is preferably seated upon the upper rim 16 of the container 12. The decorative cap 32 is preferably fabricated out of a polymeric material such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

According to one advantageous feature of the invention, an actuator assembly 34 is provided for permitting and facilitating the actuation of the dispensing valve 28 by a user without requiring the user's hand or finger to be positioned immediately adjacent to the top end 14 of the container 12. In the embodiment of the invention that is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, actuator assembly 34 includes a flexible elongated actuating member 36 that is mounted to the container 12 by an end cap 38 that is securely seated to the lower rim 20 of the container 12. The flexible elongated actuating member 36 is preferably embodied as an elongated strap 40 having a first end 42 that is secured to the end cap 38 and a second end 44 that is secured to a ring member 46 that is in contact with the laterally actuatable dispensing valve 28. A slot 48 is preferably defined in the decorative cap 32 to permit unrestricted passage of the elongated strap 40 therethrough.

As FIG. 2 shows, strap 40 is substantially in contact with upper and lower portions of the outer surface of the sidewall 22 when the actuating assembly 34 is in a resting position. However, as a result of the presence of the recess 26 in the central area of the sidewall 22 a space is defined between the inner surface of the strap 40 and the outer surface of the sidewall 22 within that central area of the sidewall 22. As a result, a user by gripping the central portion of the container 12 including the strap 40 and by exerting a slight squeeze will be able to displace the strap 40 inwardly towards the portion of the sidewall 22 that defines the recess 26, which will thereby tension the strap 40.

As tension is so applied to the strap 40, the first end 42 of the strap 40 will remain fixed to the end cap 38, but the second end 44 of the strap 40 will cause the ring member 46 as it is shown in FIG. 2 to displace leftwardly, thereby actuating the dispensing valve 28. This will permit the user to dispense the contents of the container 12 without placing his or her hand or finger in the area that is immediately adjacent to the dispensing valve 28, the dispensing extension 30 or the top end 14 of the container 12.

It is important that strap 40 be constructed so as to be substantially inelastic and capable of bearing tension, so that the inward displacement of the strap 40 created by the squeezing of the strap 40 and container 12 is faithfully transmitted as lateral movement of the dispensing valve 28.

In the preferred embodiment, strap 40 is preferably fabricated from a polymeric material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Alternatively, strap 40 may be fabricated from a reinforced composite material such as a graphite fibre reinforced polymer or fibreglass material, a woven or non-woven webbing or from a flexible metallic material.

A dispensing container assembly 50 according to a second embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. Dispensing container 50 includes a preferably metallic aerosol container 52 having a top end 54 and a bottom end 56. An actuator assembly 58 is provided that includes a first flexible elongated actuating member 60 that is embodied as an elongated strap 62 and a second flexible elongated actuating member 64 that is embodied as a second elongated strap 66. The first and second elongated straps 62, 66 have respective first ends that are both secured to an end cap 68 that is mounted to the bottom end 56 of the container 52. The elongated straps 62, 66 have second, opposite ends that are joined to each other at the top end 54 of the container 52 by a horizontally oriented strap portion 72 that is operatively connected to a conventional axially actuatable type aerosol dispensing valve 70. In the preferred embodiment, the two elongated straps 62, 66 and the horizontally oriented strap portion 72 are constructed so as to be unitary with each other as a single strap element. The straps 62, 66 may be fabricated from any of the materials discussed above with reference to the first described embodiment, but are preferably fabricated from a polymeric material such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

Dispensing container 50 further includes a sidewall 73 having first and second recesses 74, 76 defined therein. Recesses 74, 76 are preferably located on opposite sides of the sidewall 73 and are generally in a central portion of the sidewall 73 relative to the top and bottom ends 54, 56. As FIG. 3 shows, the first and second straps 62, 66 are substantially in contact with the sidewall 73 of the container 52 at portions of the container 52 that are proximate to the top and bottom ends 54, 56, but as a result of the presence of the first and second recesses 74, 76 an amount of lateral space is defined between the respective inner surfaces of the straps 62, 66 and the outer surface of the sidewall 73 at the portions thereof in which the first and second recesses 74, 76 are defined. A user, by gripping the central portion of the container 52 including the first and second straps 62, 66 and by exerting a slight squeeze will be able to laterally displace the first and second straps 62, 66 inwardly toward the portions of the sidewall 73 that define the first and second recesses 74, 76, which thereby tensions the straps 62, 66 and pulls the horizontally oriented strap portion 72 downwardly, thereby actuating the valve member 70 and initiating dispensing of the contents of the container 52.

As is shown in FIG. 4, a dispensing attachment 78 may be secured to the top end 54 of the container 52. In the embodiment that is shown in FIG. 4, dispensing attachment 78 includes a longitudinally extending tube 80 and a scrubbing brush attachment 82. The scrubbing brush attachment 82 preferably includes a number of small holes that permit the substance that is being dispensed from the container 52 to pass therethrough to the bristles of the scrubbing brush attachment 82. The dispensing attachment 78 may be either permanently or removably mounted to the top end 54 of the container 52. The presence of the actuating assembly 58 and the utility it creates of permitting dispensing from the container 52 without a user's hand being located near the top end 54 of the container 52 makes it possible to use such a dispensing attachment 78 without removing the dispensing attachment 78 from the container 52.

Alternative dispensing attachments are discussed below with reference to the embodiments that are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

A dispensing container assembly 90 that is constructed according to a third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Dispensing container assembly 90 includes a container 92 that is preferably a pressurised metallic aerosol container and that is substantially cylindrical in shape, having a top end 94 and a bottom end 96. Container 92 also preferably includes a sidewall 98 that is positioned between the top and bottom ends 94, 96.

An actuator assembly 100 includes an end cap 102 that is mounted to the bottom end 96 of the container 92, a first collar member 104 and a second collar member 106. The first collar member 104 is securely mounted to an upper end of the sidewall 98 near the top end 94 of the container 92 and the second collar member 106 is securely mounted to a lower portion of the sidewall 98 near the bottom end 96 of the container 92. The collar members 104, 106 may be mounted to the sidewall 98 by secure frictional engagement, by an adhesive or through anyone of a number of possible conventional alternative techniques. The first and second collar members 104, 106 are preferably fabricated from a polymeric material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

Actuator assembly 100 further includes a flexible elongated actuating member 108 that is preferably embodied as an elongated strap 110. The elongated strap 110 has a first end 112 that is secured to a valve mounting ring 46 and a second end 114 that is secured to an upper surface of the second collar member 106 at a location that is near the outer surface of the sidewall 98. According to one advantageous feature of this embodiment, a locking member 116 is movably mounted to a central portion of the sidewall 98 between the first and second collar members 104, 106. FIG. 5 depicts the locking member 116 in a first operative position, which is the locked position in which the dispensing container assembly 90 would be initially provided to the consumer. In this locked position, the strap 110 is preferably in a slightly slackened state so that any incidental contact with the strap 110 will not accidentally actuate the dispensing valve 28. In addition, the presence of the locking member 116 prevents inward displacement of the strap 110 near the central portion of the sidewall 98 where the locking member 116 is located.

Locking member 116 is movably mounted to the sidewall 98 so that it can be longitudinally slid by a consumer from the locked position that is shown in FIG. 5 to a second operative position shown in FIG. 6 that is the unlocked position in which the dispensing container assembly 90 is ready for use. Retention structure may be provided for locking the locking member 116 in the position that is shown in FIG. 6, which in the preferred embodiment is embodied as a retaining ring 118. The locking member 116 is constructed so that it will easily slip over the retaining ring 118 as it travels downwardly as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, but the retaining ring 118 will engage the upper surface of the locking member 116 in the position that is shown in FIG. 6 in order to prevent the locking member 116 from moving upwardly toward the first, locked position.

As the locking member 116 is pushed downwardly towards the position that is shown in FIG. 6 it will lengthen the path over which the strap 110 is constrained to assume, thereby removing the strap 110 from the slackened state and tautening the strap 110. In the tautened state that is shown in FIG. 6 any inward displacement that is applied by a user by gripping the container 92 including the strap 110 will be efficiently transmitted to the dispensing valve 28.

It is considered beneficial to provide structure for permitting tightening of the strap 110 by the consumer for a number of reasons. First, while the strap 110 may be initially provided in a tensioned condition at the manufacturing or packaging facility it will naturally tend to loosen over time due to stretching of the strap material. Also, as a result of differential expansion and/or contraction of the different materials in the dispensing container assembly 90 that will inevitably occur as the container assembly 90 is exposed to conditions of extreme heat, cold and humidity, it may be desirable to manufacture the actuating assembly 100 so that the strap 110 is initially in a slackened state so that the valve assembly 28 is not accidentally actuated due to environmental stress during shipping and handling. Although the structure for permitting tightening of the strap 110 that is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is the preferred embodiment, it should be understood that a number of different strap tightening mechanisms are possible and are contemplated as part of the invention. For example, a tightening buckle or threaded tensioning adjustment mechanism could be alternatively provided.

A dispensing container assembly 130 that is constructed according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7. Dispensing container assembly 130 includes a container 132 having a top end 134, a bottom end 136 and a sidewall 138 that is positioned between the top and bottom ends 134, 136. Container 132 is preferably fabricated from a metallic material and is generally cylindrically shaped.

This embodiment of the invention includes an actuating assembly 140 having a first collar member 142 that is mounted to the sidewall 138 at an upper portion near the top end 134 and a second collar member 144 that is mounted to the sidewall 138 at a lower portion near the bottom end 136 of the container 132. Actuating assembly 140 further preferably includes an elongated flexible actuating member 146 that is embodied as an elongated strap 148 having a first end 150 that is secured to the valve mounting ring 46 and a second end 152 that is secured to the second collar member 144. The elongated strap 148 is in contact with an outer surface of the first collar member 142 and is stretched between the first collar member 142 and the second collar member 144 as shown in FIG. 7 so as to define a space between the inner surface of the elongated strap 148 and the outer surface of the container 132 in the area between the first and second collar members 142, 144.

According to one advantageous feature of this embodiment, a removable locking member 154 is initially positioned between the elongated strap 148 and the outer surface of the sidewall 138 of the container 132 to prevent the possibility of the elongated strap 148 from being accidentally inwardly displaced prior to the intended use of the dispensing container assembly 130. Removable locking member 154 is preferably configured so that it may be removed by the consumer prior to use. Optionally, removable locking member 154 may be designed so that it can be repositioned in the orientation shown in FIG. 7 by the consumer after use.

FIG. 8 depicts a dispensing container assembly 160 that is constructed according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. Dispensing container assembly 160 includes a container 162 and an actuating assembly that is constructed substantially according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 and that includes a single strap 164. Dispensing container assembly 160 further includes a dispensing attachment 166 that is constructed to snap on to an upper rim of the container 162 and that includes an integrated hook member 168 and a dispensing orifice 170. This embodiment of the invention has particular utility for dispensing a material that is useful in the shower or bath, such as a shower gel or shampoo.

A dispensing container assembly 180 that is constructed according to a sixth embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 9. Dispensing container assembly 180 includes a container 182 and an actuating assembly that includes a single strap 188 and that is mechanically constructed according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. The actuating assembly advantageously includes a lower end cap 186 that is attached to a bottom end of the container 182 and that has a flat lower surface to facilitate upright standing and storage of the dispensing container assembly 180 on a horizontal surface. The strap 188 advantageously includes a contact portion 190 that is broadened and flattened with respect to adjacent portions of the strap 188. The presence of the contact portion 190 both facilitates operation of the actuating assembly and provides a visual cue to a consumer as to the ideal location to apply pressure to the strap 188 in order to dispense material from the container 182.

Dispensing container assembly 180 further includes a dispensing attachment 192 having an upper surface 196 that is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the container 182. Dispensing attachment 192 includes a dispensing orifice 194 that is positioned at the end of a nozzle 196 which is oriented in a direction that is substantially parallel to the upper surface 196 of the dispensing attachment 192. Dispensing attachment 192 has particular utility for dispensing a cleaning substance such as a disinfectant foam beneath the rim of a toilet bowl.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

1. An actuator assembly for a dispensing container, comprising: an elongated actuating member; a valve connecting means for connecting the elongated actuating member to a valve of the container; characterised in that the elongated actuating member comprises an elongated flexible strap and the actuator assembly further comprises mounting means for mounting the elongated flexible strap to the container so that the elongated flexible strap is spaced outwardly from a portion of a sidewall of the container, wherein the actuator assembly is constructed and arranged to operate the valve member when a portion of the elongated flexible strap is displaced inwardly towards the portion of the sidewall.
 2. An actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting means is adapted such that the elongated flexible strap extends along the longitudinal axis of the container.
 3. An actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated flexible strap includes first and second elongated elements adapted for mounting to the opposing sides of the sidewall, the first and second elongated elements interconnected such that inward displacement of a portion of the first and second elongated elements towards the portion of the sidewall operates the valve member.
 4. An actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator assembly is adapted such that inward displacement of the portion of the elongated flexible strap towards the portion of the sidewall tautens the elongated flexible strap and thereby operates the valve member.
 5. An actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated actuating member also comprises tensioning means that is actuatable by a user in order to tauten the elongated flexible strap prior to use.
 6. An actuator assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the tensioning means comprises a collar member that is slidably mountable to the sidewall such that it is located between the elongated flexible strap and the sidewall, wherein the elongated flexible strap co-operates with the collar member such that slidable movement of the collar member relative to the sidewall adjusts the tension in the elongated flexible strap.
 7. An actuator assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the tensioning means includes a releasable locking member movable from a first locked position to a second unlocked position, the actuator assembly constructed such that the elongated flexible strap is in a slackened state when the locking member is in the first locked position and in a taut state when the locking member is in the second unlocked position.
 8. An actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, the actuator assembly being suitable for use with a cylindrical container, wherein the mounting means is adapted to ensure that the elongated flexible strap is offset from the sidewall of the container at one or both ends of the container.
 9. An actuator assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the actuator assembly comprises a first collar member and a second collar member, the first and second collar members mountable to the sidewall proximate opposing ends of the container such that the elongated flexible strap is stretched between the collar members to define a space between the elongated flexible strap and the sidewall.
 10. An actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a removable locking member which is beatable between the elongated flexible strap and the sidewall to inhibit accidental actuation of the elongated flexible strap and the valve member.
 11. A dispensing container comprising the actuator assembly as claimed in claim
 1. 12. A dispensing container as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sidewall of the container is provided with a recessed portion, the elongated flexible strap positioned adjacent to the recessed portion such that the portion of the elongated flexible strap may be displaced inwardly into a space defined between the elongated flexible strap portion and the recessed portion.
 13. A dispensing container as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a dispensing attachment mounted to the container adjacent the valve member and wherein the actuator assembly is operable with the dispensing attachment in place. 